Director of Engineering and Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director of Engineering and Prototyping

Company: Morgan Li LLC

Location: Chicago Heights, IL, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Operations Leadership

Date Posted: September 18, 2026

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage engineering and prototyping teams to deliver high-quality prototypes and engineering solutions within schedule and budget constraints.

• Develop and implement engineering strategies that align with overall company objectives and drive product innovation and business growth.

• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through prototyping, rigorous testing, validation, and final production readiness.

• Foster seamless collaboration across Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and other critical cross-functional teams to ensure efficient product transition.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of technical engineering expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. The "Director" title and reporting to the President indicate a strategic position with significant impact on product development and operational efficiency. The emphasis on prototyping suggests a hands-on approach is valued, alongside strategic oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and prototyping teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation and efficiency.

• Drive the development and execution of engineering strategies that support product innovation, business growth, and alignment with company objectives.

• Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle, ensuring successful progression from concept to production-ready designs.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional departments to ensure seamless integration of engineering efforts with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain operations.

• Oversee the design, rigorous testing, and validation of prototypes to ensure they meet all technical specifications, performance expectations, and quality standards.

• Manage engineering resources, project budgets, and timelines, optimizing workflows for successful and timely project completion.

• Identify and champion the adoption of new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance prototyping efficiency and product performance.

• Establish and maintain robust engineering standards, technical documentation, and best practices to support scalable manufacturing.

• Evaluate product designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, quality, and production feasibility, providing critical feedback early in the design process.

• Monitor project progress, proactively identify risks, and implement corrective actions to maintain project schedules and objectives.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and automation, to drive operational excellence.

• Ensure all engineering and prototyping activities adhere to company policies, safety regulations, quality standards, and industry compliance requirements.

• Mentor and develop engineering personnel, cultivating a collaborative and accountable team environment.

• Communicate project status, technical recommendations, resource needs, and business impacts effectively to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed indicate a highly strategic and operational role. The emphasis on "manufacturing environment," "prototyping," "design validation," and "production readiness" suggests a focus on tangible product outcomes and efficient scale-up. The expectation to identify and implement new technologies points towards a forward-thinking and innovative approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field, is required.

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred, indicating a desire for advanced strategic and business acumen. Experience:

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive engineering experience within a manufacturing environment is mandatory.

• A minimum of five (5) years of engineering leadership or management experience is required, demonstrating proven ability to manage teams and projects.

• Proven track record of managing engineering teams and overseeing prototyping processes in a manufacturing setting.

• Demonstrated success in project management, delivering complex engineering projects on time and within budget.

• Experience evaluating product designs for manufacturability, production readiness, quality, and cost-effectiveness is essential. Required Skills:

• Engineering Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams.

• Prototyping Expertise: Deep understanding of various prototyping techniques and their application in product development.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Comprehensive knowledge of all phases from concept to production.

• Manufacturing Processes: Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, feasibility analysis, and production integration.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, timelines, and budgets effectively.

• Design Validation & Testing: Expertise in validating designs through rigorous testing and evaluation.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Ability to collaborate and lead across diverse departments.

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in creating and maintaining engineering documentation and standards.

• Budget Management: Experience in managing engineering project budgets and resource allocation.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and implement long-term engineering strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and automation.

• Familiarity with regulatory standards, quality management systems (e.g., ISO), and manufacturing compliance.

• Experience working in a multi-site or global manufacturing environment.

• Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (15+ years) and specific leadership experience (5+ years) highlight this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and the preference for a Master's degree underscore the technical depth required. The inclusion of preferred skills like additive manufacturing and CNC machining indicates the company is likely involved in modern production techniques.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase instances where you successfully managed complex engineering projects from inception to completion, detailing timelines, budget adherence, and project outcomes.

• Prototyping Demonstrations: Provide examples of innovative prototypes developed under your leadership, highlighting the problem solved, the process used, and the impact on product development or testing.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Present case studies detailing how you identified inefficiencies in engineering or prototyping processes and implemented solutions (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, automation) that led to measurable improvements in speed, cost, or quality.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate successful collaborations with manufacturing, design, quality, and supply chain teams, demonstrating your ability to integrate engineering efforts with broader business objectives.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Include examples of comprehensive technical documentation, engineering standards, or process documentation you have developed or overseen.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in establishing and maintaining engineering standards and technical documentation for scalable manufacturing operations.

• Showcase an understanding of developing and implementing engineering processes that enhance product quality, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.

• Highlight experience in documenting and validating prototype testing and design evaluation processes.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) into documented engineering workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic impact, leadership, and quantifiable results. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not just what they did, but how they led teams to achieve specific outcomes and why certain processes or technologies were chosen. The focus on "process documentation" and "manufacturing capabilities" implies a need to demonstrate structured approaches to knowledge transfer and operational scaling.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the extensive experience required (15+ years, 5+ years leadership), the strategic nature of the role (reporting to President), and the location in the Chicago Heights, IL area, a competitive salary range for a Director of Engineering and Prototyping would typically fall between $170,000 - $240,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the significant responsibilities, required expertise, and regional market rates for senior engineering leadership positions. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, effective from the first of the month following hire.

• Paid Time Off: Paid PTO, with accrual based on years of service, allowing for work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings: 401k Safe Harbor Plan, providing a structured retirement savings opportunity.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Supports healthcare expenses with tax advantages.

• Company-Paid Insurance: Life insurance ($40K coverage) and Short-Term Disability insurance, offering financial security.

• Employee Support Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support.

• Perks: Employee Discount Program through Life Mart and an Onsite Gym, promoting employee well-being and savings.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for career growth and professional development, supporting continuous learning and advancement.

Working Hours:

• This is a Full-Time, Exempt position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. However, due to the nature of the role and leadership responsibilities, flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines and operational needs, potentially involving work beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are robust and align with a senior leadership position. The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for Director-level engineering roles in a manufacturing hub like the Chicago metropolitan area, considering the substantial experience requirement. The mention of "competitive rates" in the original listing suggests a willingness to offer a strong compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Morgan Li LLC operates within the manufacturing and product development sector, likely specializing in custom solutions, retail fixtures, or similar industrial goods, given the emphasis on prototyping and engineering. This industry demands precision, innovation, and efficiency in production.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, the existence of a Director-level role reporting to the President suggests a mid-sized to larger organization with established departments and a structured hierarchy. This size often allows for significant impact while maintaining a degree of agility.

Founded: Founded in 1957, Morgan Li LLC has a long-standing history, indicating stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of its market. This longevity suggests a company that values tradition and experience, while likely adapting to modern manufacturing techniques.

Team Structure:

• The Engineering and Prototyping team will be led by this Director, likely comprising engineers, designers, technicians, and prototyping specialists.

• This role reports directly to the President, signifying a high level of visibility and direct influence on strategic decision-making.

• Close collaboration with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain departments is critical, indicating a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure. Methodology:

• The company likely employs a combination of traditional engineering methodologies and modern manufacturing approaches, given the emphasis on prototyping, design validation, and the mention of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.

• A data-driven approach to problem-solving and process optimization is expected, especially given the engineering and manufacturing focus.

• The company likely values a results-oriented culture with a strong emphasis on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://morgan-li.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding year (1957) suggests a well-established entity. The URL indicates a focus on B2B services, likely in the retail or commercial space. The "LLC" designation is noted, though it does not preclude it from being a large, established company. The "Morgan Li" name itself suggests a potential for custom fabrication or design services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior leadership role within the engineering and operations functions. As a Director, the individual is responsible for setting strategic direction, managing significant resources, and directly impacting the company's product development and manufacturing capabilities. This level typically involves P&L responsibility for their division or significant budget oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Director reports directly to the President, indicating a high-impact role with direct access to executive leadership. This structure allows for swift decision-making and direct influence on company strategy.

Operations Impact: The Director of Engineering and Prototyping has a profound impact on the company's ability to innovate, bring new products to market efficiently, and maintain high-quality manufacturing standards. Their work directly influences product cost, performance, time-to-market, and overall manufacturing efficiency, all of which are critical drivers of revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential progression to VP of Engineering, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or Chief Operating Officer (COO) roles, especially within a growing or expanding organization.

• Strategic Initiatives: Opportunity to lead major strategic initiatives related to technology adoption, facility upgrades, or new market entry through product innovation.

• Mentorship & Development: Chance to build and scale a high-performing engineering department, developing future leaders within the company.

• Broader Operational Scope: Potential to expand responsibilities to encompass broader operational functions beyond engineering and prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct reporting line to the President is a significant indicator of the role's strategic importance and potential for career advancement within the organization. The emphasis on product development and manufacturing efficiency directly ties this role to the company's core business success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an on-site environment that includes both office space for administrative and strategic work, and direct access to manufacturing, engineering, and prototyping areas. This hybrid setting is typical for leadership roles that require both oversight and hands-on engagement with production processes.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Chicago Heights, IL. Candidates should confirm if this is a single site or if occasional travel to other company facilities or vendor locations is expected. Chicago Heights offers access to a skilled workforce and established industrial infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will facilitate interaction with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders. Expect a dynamic environment where open communication and problem-solving are encouraged.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, as well as specialized engineering and prototyping equipment, software, and testing facilities. The role involves leveraging these tools to drive innovation and efficiency.

• Operational Immersion: The role requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor to observe processes, inspect prototypes, and ensure safety and quality standards are met, necessitating adaptability to industrial settings.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, exempt position. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of a Director role, especially in manufacturing and product development, often require flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for potential extended hours to meet project deadlines, address urgent issues, or oversee critical production phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description explicitly mentions exposure to manufacturing environments, including noise, moving mechanical parts, and potentially fumes or chemicals. This indicates that while the role is leadership-focused, it requires comfort and engagement within an industrial setting, not solely an office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and potentially a brief phone screen with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Likely with the President or a senior executive, focusing on strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and overall fit with the company's direction.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage will likely involve interviews with key engineering team members and peers from cross-functional departments (e.g., Manufacturing, Product Management). Expect discussions on technical challenges, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration style.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, showcasing key projects, process improvements, and leadership achievements. This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate your impact.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize terms and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative, clearly articulate the results using specific metrics (e.g., cost reduction percentage, time-to-market improvement, defect rate decrease).

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key themes such as leadership, innovation, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for detailing specific examples.

• Highlight Leadership & Strategy: As a Director, focus on your strategic contributions, team development, and ability to influence organizational direction, not just individual technical contributions.

• Demonstrate Process Thinking: Showcase your understanding of engineering processes, documentation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including challenges faced and solutions implemented, particularly related to manufacturing and prototyping.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect potential case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to product development bottlenecks, manufacturing process improvements, or team management challenges.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to problem-solving, risk assessment, and resource allocation in a manufacturing and product development context.

• Be ready to discuss how you would foster innovation, implement new technologies, and ensure compliance within a manufacturing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "prototyping," "manufacturing," and "engineering" suggests that interview questions and potential challenges will be highly technical and operational. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific engineering principles, manufacturing feasibility, and the practicalities of bringing products from concept to mass production.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/CAM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360,

Mastercam) for design and simulation.

• Prototyping Technologies: Hands-on experience or deep understanding of various prototyping methods, including but not limited to:

  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.
  • Subtractive Manufacturing: CNC Machining, milling, turning.
  • Traditional Fabrication: Welding, sheet metal work, casting.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking project timelines, resources, and progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing engineering data, performance metrics, and process efficiency (e.g., Excel advanced functions, potentially SQL for data extraction, or BI tools like Tableau/Power BI if integrated with production data).

• Simulation Software: Experience with engineering simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for stress analysis, thermal analysis, fluid dynamics, etc., depending on product type.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales or marketing role, understanding how engineering and product development integrate with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) for product lifecycle management and with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or industry-specific ERPs) for production planning and inventory management is beneficial.

• Familiarity with automation technologies relevant to manufacturing and prototyping processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are inferred based on the job title and responsibilities. Candidates should highlight any direct experience with these types of software and hardware. The emphasis on "new technologies" suggests a willingness to adopt and integrate emerging tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly seek better ways to design, prototype, and manufacture products, fostering a culture of experimentation and learning.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering products that meet stringent quality standards and technical specifications, with zero tolerance for defects.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A focus on optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and maximizing output from engineering and manufacturing resources.

• Collaboration & Accountability: An emphasis on teamwork across departments, with clear ownership and responsibility for project outcomes.

• Safety & Compliance: A paramount commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and adhering to all relevant industry regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where engineers work closely with product managers, manufacturing leads, quality assurance specialists, and supply chain partners.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Decisions are expected to be informed by data, testing results, and performance metrics.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving across all levels and departments.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A supportive atmosphere where experienced professionals guide and develop junior team members, and knowledge is shared freely to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (founded 1957) might suggest a culture that values experience and established practices, but the emphasis on "innovation" and "new technologies" indicates a forward-looking approach. The blend of office and manufacturing environments implies a culture that bridges strategic thinking with practical, hands-on execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Production Demands: Juggling the need to explore new designs and technologies with the imperative to deliver reliable, manufacturable products on tight schedules.

• Integrating New Technologies: Successfully identifying, evaluating, and implementing advanced manufacturing or prototyping technologies within an established operational framework.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between engineering, design, manufacturing, and other departments, particularly when design changes impact production.

• Resource Optimization: Effectively managing engineering talent, budgets, and equipment to maximize output and efficiency while controlling costs.

• Adapting to Market Changes: Staying ahead of industry trends and evolving customer demands to ensure the company's product offerings remain competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Exposure: Opportunity to work with and potentially lead the adoption of cutting-edge prototyping and manufacturing technologies.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Enhance skills in executive communication, strategic planning, and organizational leadership through direct interaction with the President and senior management.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Drive significant improvements in manufacturing and product development processes, gaining experience in large-scale operational transformation.

• Industry Best Practices: Stay abreast of and implement the latest engineering and manufacturing best practices, potentially through industry conferences, workshops, or professional development courses.

• Mentorship Role: Develop leadership and coaching skills by guiding and mentoring a team of engineers and prototyping specialists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior engineering leader in a manufacturing setting. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant professional development and impact within the organization, particularly for someone looking to move into broader executive roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing an engineering strategy that aligns with both innovation goals and manufacturing capabilities. How would you balance these two priorities?"

  • Preparation: Focus on strategic frameworks, risk assessment, and communication with stakeholders. Emphasize data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.

• "Walk me through a complex engineering project you led from concept to production readiness. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them? What was the ultimate impact on the business?"

  • Preparation: Select a strong case study for your portfolio. Use the STAR method to detail the situation, your specific tasks and leadership role, the actions taken, and the measurable results.

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within an engineering and prototyping team, particularly in a manufacturing environment with established processes?"

  • Preparation: Discuss methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, idea generation programs, cross-training, and encouraging experimentation, while also addressing the practicalities of implementation in a production setting.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Morgan Li LLC and this role, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for our engineering and prototyping efforts?"

  • Preparation: Research the company's products, market position, and recent news. Connect your experience to their specific business context.

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between engineering, design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to achieve product launch success?"

  • Preparation: Discuss communication strategies, integrated workflows, shared KPIs, and conflict resolution techniques. Highlight your experience building bridges between departments.

• "Describe your philosophy on managing engineering budgets and resources. How do you balance cost-effectiveness with the need for quality and innovation?"

  • Preparation: Prepare to discuss budget allocation strategies, ROI analysis for new technologies, and methods for optimizing resource utilization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Examples: Focus on 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best represent your leadership, strategic thinking, and results in engineering and prototyping.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with visuals (diagrams, charts, photos of prototypes) to illustrate your points and make your presentation engaging.

• Quantify Everything: Ensure every achievement is backed by data and measurable outcomes.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities and leadership impact.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, team management, and strategic rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be rigorous, testing both technical depth and leadership capabilities. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strategic mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and a proven ability to drive results in a manufacturing and product development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director of Engineering and Prototyping position:

• Submit your application through the ADP WorkForce Now portal linked from the job posting.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 15+ years of engineering and 5+ years of leadership experience, emphasizing achievements in product development, prototyping, manufacturing processes, and team management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your strategic leadership, process improvement capabilities, and quantifiable results in engineering and prototyping. Focus on impact and ROI.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, particularly those related to strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership in a manufacturing context.

• Research Morgan Li LLC: Understand their products, market, and company history. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their business needs and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.